Nizhny Novgorod
Provincial Executive Committee, copy to Provincial Transport Department, Volgoprod.
8 June 1921

A large salt convoy has accumulated in the Nizhny Novgorod port, requiring urgent unloading. Approximately 5 million poods of salt are in the approach. Unloading is proceeding extremely slowly due to Volgoprod's lack of a sufficient number of stevedores, [and] also the low productivity of labour, despite full satisfaction of basic rations. By decree of 31 May 1921, the Council of People's Commissars recognized the transportation of salt as a military-operational task. Therefore I propose that you ensure Volgoprod receives the full complement of stevedores for unloading barges in the shortest possible time, taking priority over other matters, with the aim of achieving the most complete and rapid turnover of the vessels. Keep me informed of the progress of work. [610]

Chairman of the Council of Labour and Defence Lenin